Five Star Hotels Phuket

The largest of all the Islands in Thailand and also the most popular, Phuket formerly derived its wealth from tin and rubber, and enjoyed a rich and interesting history. The island was on one of the major trading routes between India and China The region now derives much of its income from tourism. Forest, rubber and palm oil plantations cover 60% of the island.

Phuket has had major investment and rejuvenation over the last few years and has become a favorite retirement destination due to the climate and cost of living. There is a diversity of religions and cultures including Buddhism and Muslim, Chinese, Malay, Europeans which provides a colorful calendar of religious and cultural festivals throughout the year. The Songthanews (Passenger pick-up vehicles) are a common form of transport as is the common bus.

Motorbike Taxis are available and the Tuk Tuks have been replaced by small red and yellow vans.Phuket is an exquisite island of contrasts ranging from its stunning mountains, the Phuket mountain range. The highest elevation of the island is 'Mai Thao Sip Song' at 529 m above sea level, dense jungles to the white sandy beaches, kissed by crystal clear water of the Andaman Sea. Phuket Island is connected to the mainland via the Sarasin Bridge, and also has its own International Airport. The high season is from October to May, but it is temperate all year and less crowded out of season.

A boat trip will take you to the neighbouring Islands of, Phi Phi, Racha Yai and to the world famous Similan Islands. This 540 square km Island of Phuket offers something for everybody whether you want the highlights of fine dining in world class restaurants and evening partying found in Patong or the quiet whisperings of the gentle lapping waters found near secret lovers coves it is all here. Not only do most of the major hotels and resorts offer a wide selection of quality international restaurants and bars, featuring cabaret shows and live music, but every tourist centre has numerous other entertainment venues.

Patong Beach Is probably the most popular of all it stretches some 3000metres and offers a plethora of activities including a great night life.

Karon Beach reaches all the way to Kata, it is not as bustling as Patong. Kata Beach is smaller and has the most beautiful shallow coral Kata Noi Is separated from Kata by a small cape; this is a calm and peaceful place.

Kamala Alternatively is a well-enclosed bay and thriving fishing village which has urbanized fast over the last five years; it still has a small-town feel and is popular amongst families. Kamala Beach has lots of small casual restaurants and Grocery stores. Chalong Bay is the main launch pad for dinghy's and dive trips and the harbour is full of bobbing vessels of all shapes and sizes throughout the year. The brisk streets lining the piers offer a range of casual restaurants, dive shops, fishing charters, tour operators, and water sports, Internet shops and even Yoga and Reiki centres.

The lovely peninsula of Cape Panwa, just south of the demanding Phuket Town, remains a peaceful and untouched hideaway. Its grassy hills, secret coves, mangroves and tidal flats entice you to explore more far away from the crowds.

The country is steeped in culture and surrounded by natural beauty and it is this beauty that draws visitors from around the world to one of the widest selection of luxury hotels. The five star hotels Phuket has to offer are among the best in the world. Luxury accommodations, superb restaurants and friendly hospitality which draw visitors here again and again.

Many of these luxurious hotels are beach resort complexes with stunning views over the ocean and the widest range of watersport activities on offer. The quality restaurants serve up only the best of local produce – being an island, the fresh fish comes highly recommended as do the fine Thai cuisine offered by all of the hotels.

The large recognised hotel chains are all here with their five star offerings. The Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa is perhaps one of the best known with its 3 large pools and great beach location. The Le Meridien Phuket is similarly well known and closer to Patong the main tourist center.

Whether it's the large recognised chains that you prefer or smaller more intimate surroundings that entice, you will be spoilt for choice with the five star hotels Phuket has to offer. They offer good value by western standards, and often run relatively low occupancy rates. This ensures individual attention to detail is exceptional and will make your holiday all the more memorable.